Marvel has been hesitant to sign directors who aren't named Joss Whedon to long-term deals, mostly because they like to keep their sequels fluid and evolving. But, they must see something special in 'Captain America 2' directors Joe and Anthony Russo because the comic company has hired the brothers to write and direct 'Captain America 3' before Part 2 has even hit theaters.

Variety is reporting that Marvel was so impressed with 'Captain America: Winter Soldier' that they moved quickly to close a deal to bring the Russos back for a third installment. 'Captain America 3' has yet to receive an official greenlight from Marvel, but that's a formality and all signs are pointing to Cap (and actor Chris Evans) playing a major part in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (especially with Robert Downey, Jr. taking a step back after 'Avengers 2').

Prior to 'Captain America 2,' the Russos were primarily known for their work on TV, having directed over 30 episodes of 'Community' (a TV series they helped created with Dan Harmon). Their only previous feature was the not-very-funny comedy 'You, Me and Dupree,' which left many scratching their heads when Marvel signed them to direct one of their upcoming franchises. Whatever the Russos have done seems to have worked, as the buzz on 'Captain America 2' has been outstanding.

Traditionally, Marvel has looked elsewhere for sequel directors (Jon Favreau and Whedon not withstanding), but they clearly feel like they've fond some special creative talent and wanted to sign them before they moved on to another project.

'Captain America 2' - which has new Super Bowl trailer debuting this weekend - opens in theaters on April 4. As for 'Captain America 3', Marvel has already set May 6, 2016, July 8, 2016 and May 5, 2017 for unnamed movies and could easily slot the third Cap film into one of those dates (likely the 2017 one).